Bioethics - Faculty of Arts

Offered by the School of Philosophy and Bioethics

The growth of scientific knowledge and technical ability in medicine, genetics and the biological sciences has led to a number of ethical problems which perplex all of us, but especially those in the health care field. Is human embryonic stem cell research justified by the prospect it offers of alleviating some of the most debilitating diseases? Is genetic enhancement of humans ethically justified? Is it unethical to select embryos for implantation on the basis of sex? Should research designed to find 'gay genes' be conducted given that the results of such work might be used against homosexual people? Should we proceed with research trying to clone people? Does the fact that we can prolong the life of a patient in a permanent vegetative state mean that we should do so? At the Centre for Human Bioethics (CHB), we are attempting to develop our ethical thinking so as to keep pace with advances in biomedical technology. Furthermore, we can anticipate future developments and assess what we might do if and when these anticipated developments become a reality.

For information on the units required for a minor in bioethics, refer to the `Areas of study' section on the Arts faculty website at http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/current/coursework/study-areas/.

Relevant courses

Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Bachelor of Arts (and associated double degrees)
Bachelor of Arts (Global)
Bachelor of Letters

Contact details

Centre for Human Bioethics

Telephone inquiries: +61 3 9905 4279 or email: philosophy@arts.monash.edu.au

General inquiries

(Clayton): Room W907, West Wing, Menzies building; Telephone +61 3 9905 3209; Email philosophy@arts.monash.edu.au or visit http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/schools/plb/.